2002 Nissan Maxima Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 5%of 205 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 20,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the body and structure of the 2002 Nissan Maxima, 5% of the 205 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 20,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The hood and front bumper's paint chips too easily. Have complained to dealership many many times who states that is normal for this vehicle and they cannoit assist me and I should of known before purchasing. Contacted Nissan consumar affairs and never heard back from them at all! This will hurt my resale value and looks terrible, needs to be reconciled”
NHTSA complaint #10066137, filed 2004-04, 2,000 miles“On 6/30/04, took my vehicle in to my local dealer for a noise coming from the front end of the car. It sounded like the strut was broken or bottoming out. Dealer also thought it was a strut, and after putting two strut assemblies on the car, the problem was not resolved. Since then, this dealer and another dealer have replaced lower control arm, rack and pinion, cradle, and numerous bolts trying to fix the problem. Nissan dealer technical services and a Nissan engineer have inspected the vehicle. Nissan engineer has pinpointed the noise to the frame of the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10098729, filed 2004-11, 39,000 miles“While parking car it spontaneously accelerated across the parking lot, the bordering street and into another parking lot before stopping. The cars left side, right side, front bumper, tires and suspension were damaged. Though no other cars were hit, commercial garbage cans, stop sign, telephone pole and a series 4 curbs inflicted damage. The air bags did not deploy despite having them checked by the dealer as required by a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10689418, filed 2015-02, 95,700 miles“Paint quality is horrible. Car has thousands of small paint chips concentrated on the front bumper and front of hood. This is not normal as Nissan insists. Their paint jobs are inferior and unfair to the consumer.”
NHTSA complaint #10100494, filed 2004-11, 5,000 miles“I have 2 Nissan Maxima's, both 2002 models. Both of these cars have faulty hinges on the drivers door causing the doors to sag and not operate properly. I do not think it is just a coincidence that this has happened on both vehicles and wonder how many other of these cars has the same problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10145773, filed 2005-12Related service bulletins
- 11031705Apr 13, 2026CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label”…
- 11031704Apr 13, 2026CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label”…
- 10232658Feb 27, 2023REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232656Feb 27, 2023WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 20% |
| 2020 | 4 | 18% |
| 2019 | 2 | 11% |
| 2018 | 2 | 6% |
| 2017 | 17 | 16% |
| 2016 | 8 | 6% |
| 2014 | 3 | 3% |
| 2013 | 2 | 3% |
| 2012 | 6 | 6% |
| 2011 | 9 | 8% |
| 2010 | 11 | 4% |
| 2009 | 8 | 2% |
| 2008 | 21 | 27% |
| 2007 | 33 | 26% |
| 2006 | 20 | 3% |
| 2005 | 25 | 3% |
| 2004 | 56 | 4% |
| 2003 | 6 | 3% |
| 2002 | 11 | 5% |
| 2001 | 9 | 5% |
| 2000 | 22 | 6% |
| 1999 | 4 | 2% |
| 1998 | 8 | 7% |
| 1997 | 7 | 7% |
| 1996 | 4 | 4% |
| 1995 | 15 | 10% |
| 1994 | 6 | 7% |
| 1993 | 4 | 5% |
| 1992 | 3 | 3% |
| 1991 | 2 | 3% |
| 1990 | 3 | 3% |
| 1989 | 3 | 5% |
| 1988 | 1 | 2% |
| 1987 | 1 | 1% |
| 1986 | 1 | 2% |
| 1984 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2002 Nissan Maxima
30 complaintsAir bags
29 complaintsVehicle speed control
23 complaintsElectrical system
22 complaintsExterior lighting
22 complaintsBrakes
20 complaintsEngine
19 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
14 complaintsSuspension
13 complaintsSteering
11 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
9 complaintsFuel system
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Nissan Maxima
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology